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iPhone 3G/v2.0 update: STILL not a basic smartphone

The announcement of v2.0 software and a 3G-capable iPhone at Apple’s recent Worldwide Developer’s Conference was highly anticipated by those of us monitoring the development of this device. From my earlier post comparing the iPhone to Blackberry and Palm Treo devices, I am pleased to see that a number of smartphone capabilities (and even a few wish list items) are being included into the latest hardware and software:

MobileMe (WAN sync), carrying Apple’s clever tag line of being “Exchange for the rest of us”

Attachment view of iWork & Office ’97 docs

Integrated GPS

While I give kudos to Apple for these most welcome additions (especially offering WAN sync to MobileMe), I am still quite disappointed by the lack of a removable battery and some form of expandable storage (via either MMC or microSD card) in the hardware, particularly as the latter would allow for doubling the available memory. Minimally, one would expect the iPhone 3G to match the highest memory capacity of the current iPod Touch (32 GB), but alas, the initial offering will only provide up to 16 GB. As disappointing as these shortcomings are, I have even greater concerns regarding what was not mentioned by Mr. Jobs’s keynote address in terms of software support available in v2.0.

My hope is that neglecting to mention the following “new” features is a tacit admission of guilt that they are only finding their way into v2.0 software a full year after the device’s initial release. Considering that they have been supported for years on even the most aging smartphone platforms (such as those running the Palm OS) and many non-smartphones, it is ridiculous for the iPhone to continue excluding these basic features. Considering that my requested feature set is not unique, it begs the question: Is the iPhone development team actually reading any of the many iPhone blogs which express disappointment at these missing “baseline” features?

Adequate Bluetooth profile support

Dialup Networking (DUN) via 3G/EDGE – allowing a laptop to use the phone as a modem (which may by explicitly disabled by wireless carriers)

Voice dial (potentially supported by VoiceSignal, which already has some demos in the works)

Call recording

Voice memo

If the above list does not quietly make its way into the v2.0 release, I will continue to stick with my trusty Blackberry Curve, or possibly jump to the Blackberry Bold, assuming Bluetooth Dialup Networking is fully supported in order to gain 3G connectivity from my laptop. Visual voice mail, great mobile browsing, and rich mobile email aside, how long must we wait for the iPhone to incorporate some of these most basic phone and smartphone features?

I’m not sure what you mean by DUN being dumped in all Apple products; it’s very easy to connect via BT DUN on any laptop with a capable phone/smartphone, especially with the network preferences overhaul within Leopard. Google “mac dun” to see how many users enjoy this with other phones.

OBEX does not encourage piracy/hacking/viruses, nor does it provide for any other security threat more than any other file transfer method (e.g. USB cable sync). OBEX is simply a convenient way to exchange files/objects; malicious code concerns are to be addressed by user behavior and/or the OS itself. If OBEX were a security threat, then standard OS X would disallow its use on laptops/desktops, as well. On many occasions I have enjoyed sending a photo from my Blackberry directly to my Macs via Bluetooth using the OBEX profile. Palm devices actually allow the transfer of contacts/.vcf files (e-business cards) in this fashion. It would be nice for the iPhone to catch up.

Voice dial should be a high priority, as many business users make use of this feature with smartphones. I anticipate its demand to grow even more with states now adopting hands-free laws while driving (already the case in California).

HID does make sense for the same reason Palm and Blackberry devices have supported wireless (including Bluetooth) external keyboards for years… anytime you’re writing a long email or note, it’s great to use a full-size keyboard and have the phone propped up nearby. I would claim this actually makes the MOST sense for the iPhone of any device to support, as it is purportedly the most “application-rich.”

AVRCP is bluetooth, not IR, so the sensor issue is irrelevant. iTunes remote is only limited to iTunes control over a LAN, whereas programs such as Salling clicker allow for global Mac control. There is a VNC client available for the iPhone, but this still requires a LAN setup. Direct control through Bluetooth/AVRCP is still the cleanest and lowest power consuming implementation for this feature, particularly handy when steering a Keynote/Powerpoint presentation, DVD player or QuickTime file, etc.

DUN being dumped on mac means that none of the mac’s have a built in DUN modem, they have external devices (modems in cellphones connecting via BT and or USB).

OBEX or file transfer between phones/computers leading to virus. Well I am not aware about your experience but, about a year ago I was using a Nokia phone and was constantly nagged by alerts to accept a file from another phone(nokia). I later on discovered that it was one of my colleagues phone that was constantly broadcasting this message to all BT enabled phones, he was not aware of this, it totally hijacked his phone even to the extent of being unable to disable bluetooth. It was a virus that was trying to spread. I also came across a software that can connect to your phone via bluetooth and the hacker can actually browse yr complete phone, i’v seen this working on a friends phone. Disabling file transfer at this moment is probably saving apple form one vector out of many possible security exploits. Less headache for a low bandwidth tech.

All mac’s are compatible with apples little and simple remote, it helps you play all media and use it for presentations. As far as complete system wide control! Well the VNC software you mentioned was something I used, its fantastic and you can even view your computer desktop on your iphone, something like remote desktop with mouse and keyboard input emulation. The bluetooth bandwidth is limited compared to WiFi. One file takes forever to transfer on BT v1, probably a little more faster on BT v2(havent tested this). My tests of file transfer between 2 iPhones over a wifi network has been about 4 seconds for a 4-5 MB File, BT v1 took 8+ mins.

I always wanted to buy an ipod but I was never happy with carrying two devices, now if I was to carry an HID device and a phone for the one off instances where I might type a lot! Doesn’t make a good buy (for me), unless my business depends on it, most people using B’berry use email to type not so much but the messages go back and forth tens of times as far as I have seen like IM’s. I am happy with the apples OSD keyboard.

I am a designer myself, apple loves to dump stuff that do not go beyond a level of popularity. They love to add the latest and greatest, make space for new stuff, its understandable for some from design point of view.

I do not believe that the iPhone is pefect, both in hardware and software, but having used smart phones from Nokia, Sony, Motorola, Imate and HTC. iPhone is at least 4-5 years ahead even after launching last year.

The other players are dumping more features into phones, perhaps not looking at the main problem. Their OS. Perhaps Googles mobile os might be the answer…

I’ve been an iPhone fan since the 3GS model with 3.0 software came out last summer. It wasn’t until this combination of hardware and software improvements that finally I was able to leave my BlackBerry at home and enjoy the iPhone as a competent business phone and a fantastic pocket computer. Glad your mom is enjoying it!

I think I agree with Venice Wheeles in saying that the design and erconomics are absolutely amazing on this phone. Recently, my girlfriend started to use it mainly for Alarm. She uses this to ensure she takes her medication during the daytime and because she can set a number of different alarms she has not forgotten. There are so many applications and uses that a simple little thing like this can make a big difference.